MESSAGE OF THIS POST: Introverts make great Event Planners, if not the best!

First Post. Well, might as well start with the inspiration for the blog’s name.

Most people are surprised when I tell them I am an introvert. On the Myers-Briggs test, it is the only irresputable result (all others I’m close to the line.) This means I require a lot of quiet time to recharge my batteries, I think before I act, and I don’t like to present my inner thoughts to the world.

I guess this explains why I’m terrible at regular blogging. It also explains why I enjoy event planning as much as I do.

I’ve come to believe that not only can event planners be wallflowers, for some types of events they should be. They can’t get too engrossed with other attendees; they have to be checking on the food, the demos, the sponsors, the door staff, the atmosphere, the general feeling of the attendees, and then back. As the planner, I should also stand at the front door, greet the people I know, introduce myself to those I don’t, and avoid potentially long and/or awkward conversations. By being introverted, I can stay focused on the responsibilities at hand, rather than get distracted by these discussions and acquaintances.

None of this is to say I don’t like people. I love people. It is the act of successfully bringing people together – facilitating business deals, partnerships, and investments – that keeps me in the business. I love sitting down to a conversation over coffee, where both of us can stay focused and a valuable connection can be formed. I just don’t know how to manage a conversation with 5 people at once, or worse, start one in a crowded room, where everyone seems to know someone.

And for those of you who read this and know me, you are probably thinking “Rubbish. You’re always talking to half a dozen people at these events. You are no Wallflower!” Well trust me, 90% of the time, I started on the wall until someone came over to me. In fact, watch next time and you’ll probably see I’m by a wall, pillar, or doorway: something to support me while I try to get my metaphysical footing on these treacherous roads.

So if you do catch me at one of my events, and I seem distracted or disoriented, you know why. And regardless of how many times you’ve heard this before, this time it’s true: it’s not you, it’s me.